At the 6690th meeting of the Security Council, held on 19 December 2011, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “The situation in Afghanistan”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

â€œThe Security Council welcomes the International Afghanistan Conference â€œAfghanistan and the International Community: From Transition to the Transformation Decadeâ€ in Bonn on 5 December 2011 and its conference conclusions (S/2011/762).

â€œThe Security Council welcomes also the declaration in Bonn that the Process of Transition, to be completed by the end of 2014, should be followed by a decade of Transformation (2015-2024) in which Afghanistan consolidates its sovereignty through strengthening a fully functioning, sustainable state in the service of its people.

â€œThe Security Council welcomes furthermore, against this background, the strategic consensus between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the International Community on a renewed and enduring partnership for this Transformation Decade which entails firm mutual commitments.

â€œThe Security Council notes that the Process of Transition entails the assumption of the leadership responsibility by the Government of Afghanistan.

â€œThe Security Council commends the outcome of the â€œIstanbul Conference for Afghanistan: Security and Cooperation in the Heart of Asiaâ€ of 2 November 2011.

â€œThe Security Council underlines the crucial role of the United Nations in Afghanistan, expresses its gratitude for Staffan de Misturaâ€™s outstanding contribution to UNAMAâ€™s work, and looks forward to working with the Secretary Generalâ€™s incoming Special Representative, Jan Kubis.

â€œThe Security Council welcomes the intention of the Government of Japan to host a ministerial conference in Tokyo in July of 2012.

Security Council Meets on the Situation in Afghanistan H.E. Mr. Jawed Ludin, Deputy Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, addresses a meeting of the Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security. United Nations, New York

This quarterâ€™s SC debate takes place against the backdrop of the ongoing transition process in Afghanistan and the recent Bonn and Istanbul Conferences and consultative Loya Jirga. With President Karzaiâ€™s recent announcement of the second tranche of the security transition, many states welcomed Afghanistanâ€™s successful and resolute progress. As Mr. Ludin stated, â€œTransition is truly the manifestation of our determination to succeed, and to stand on our own feet.â€

Simultaneously, several speakers stressed the importance of linking the security aspect of transition with development and governance. â€œIt is more urgent than ever before that the civilian side of transition proceed,â€ Mr. Ladsous explained, a sentiment echoed by many others even as they welcomed progress on various fronts, such as improvements in healthcare and education. As the US Deputy Permanent Representative H.E. Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo put it, â€œLet us not forget that much has already been accomplished to improve the lives of Afghan citizens.â€

Many speakers also welcomed recent domestic and international consensus on the future of Afghanistanâ€™s relationship with the international community. Mr. Ludin said that last monthâ€™s consultative Loya Jirga â€œreflect[ed]the unanimity among the Afghan people for partnership and engagement with the international communityâ€, just as the Bonn Conference reflected an international consensus for a continued international commitment beyond 2014 through the 2015-2024 â€˜Transformation Decadeâ€™. â€œWe will be there far beyond 2014,â€ as Mr. Ladsous succinctly put it, â€œas long as the Afghans need us.”

In the course of the SC debate, speakers also highlighted the importance of the ongoing Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process. Other topics touched upon included womenâ€™s rights, the treatment of detainees, the ongoing drought and humanitarian situation, regional cooperation, and the UNAMA mandate review. Outgoing SRSG Mr. de Mistura welcomed the latter, saying that â€œevery opportunity for [review]becomes an opportunity for us to better serve the Afghans,â€ an optimism Mr. Ludin shared.

In addition to Mr. Ludin, USG Ladsous, and Mr. de Mistura, the SC heard statements from all fifteen members as well as Canada, Turkey, Australia, the EU, Norway, New Zealand, Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Pakistan and Iran. Following the statements, Mr. Ludin delivered a brief response, in which he thanked the countries which spoke for their support and sympathy. Mr. Ludin also highlighted the problem of terrorist sanctuaries and safe-havens in the region, reiterated the Afghan Governmentâ€™s commitment to the full upholding of human rights and the rule of law, and acknowledged various concerns raised by some regional partners.

Overall, the tone of the debate was positive, with praise for progress thus far and general optimism about the future through transition and beyond, even while acknowledging remaining room for further progress, particularly in human and womenâ€™s rights. In Mr. Ludinâ€™s words, â€œWe are all aware of the challenges on the way aheadâ€¦ as Afghanistan moves from Transition to the Transformation decadeâ€¦ the international communityâ€™s commitment remains as crucial for our future as ever before.â€